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Four Electrocuted While Unloading Container In American Samoa

Submitted by PIR Editor on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 15:08

One dead; investigations by local and Federal agencies to be conducted

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Jan. 16, 2017) – One man is dead and three others are in a serious condition after they were electrocuted while off loading containers in American Samoa.

Witnesses said a crane which was off loading containers in Tafuna struck a power line yesterday afternoon.

They said the men, who were on the ground, may have touched the containers or the crane.

Family members have confirmed the death of one of the men, Iosefa Lam Yuen.

He died shortly after being rushed to the LBJ hospital.

[PIR editor's note: On Jan. 17, 2017 RNZI reported that 'United States safety authorities are expected to conduct an investigation in American Samoa after six men were electrocuted at the territory's Industrial Park at the weekend. ... American Samoa's Acting Commissioner of Public Safety Le'i Sonny Thompson ... said the information was preliminary until the Criminal Investigations Division completes its investigation. ... The US Occupational Health and Safety Administration is also expected to conduct its own probe.']

Comments

I was so shocked to here what had happen you know they went to work knowing everything would be fine and that happened to them. Just sad and to here that one did not survive is devastating. After hearing about this made me realize how precious every moment with everyone you love is. So I am so sorry for what happened.

I just watched the video on FB and it's a riminder to everyone how important safety is on every job and how important to know your first aid! Everyone panic not know what to do! Condolences to Iosefa's family! Hope the others are ok!

Pacific Islands Report is a nonprofit news publication of the Pacific Islands Development Program at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Offered as a free service to readers, PIR provides an edited digest of news, commentary and analysis from across the Pacific Islands region, Monday - Friday.